Of Bhoys and Men - The Old Firm Preview

By: Cham | December 15th, 2006

This morning’s news of the Champions League draw, pitting Celtic against Italian masters AC Milan, has raised much interest in the press. Many, like ‘Champagne Charlie’ Nicholas, consider avoiding the top British teams (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United) a huge relief. There will be much made over the next two months about the two-leg match up between Milan Rosoneri and Hoops, and we will work hard to provide everything of worth here at The always exciting Offside.

But this weekend contains a match of the utmost attention to all Celtic fans, as well as those of the Scottish Premier — the second installment of this year’s Old Firm rivalry. Much to consider here.

Of 372 meetings, Rangers have taken 147 matches, Celtic 134, and they’ve drawn 91. Rangers are second in the table on 9 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, giving them 31 points on 18 games. Celtic are in a commanding first position on 15 wins, 2 draws and only 1 loss, away at Hearts. Celtic are 16 table points over Rangers and Hibernian, who share the second position.

In the last ten meetings of the Glaswegian sides, since 8 May 2004, Celtic have 6 of the wins, Rangers 3 wins, and only 1 draw. Of these last ten, Celtic home has won 4, drawn 1 and dropped 1, a 0-2 beating in February of 2005.

But this Sunday’s meeting will be at Rangers’ own Ibrox; Celtic has won 2 of the last 10 away, but also dropped 2. Of Celtic’s overall SPREM away form this year, Celtic have won 6, drawn 2, and lost 1. Rangers home have won 6, drawn 2 and lost 1, losing 0-1 to Iverness back in October, as well as a Scottish Cup home loss to St Johnstone.

Rangers will be flying high, after their Uefa Cup victory against Partizan Belgrade at Ibrox, clinching their Cup group. And Gers have a 4 home match winning streak.

Rangers, comparatively, also bring in a more healthy side, as they only have 2 players out, striker Kris Boyd and midfielder Chris Burke. And despite the recent news of Forward Kenny Miller and top defender Stephen McManus being declared fit, top-shelf striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is still sidelined, along with defenders Gary Caldwell and John Kennedy.

Now Celtic has still managed many good goals without the Dutch international, but defense has been Celtic’s trying statistic. With McManus returning to the backline, Celtic’s defensive situation will hope to improve.

Bottomline, Celtic is 16 points superior to their Ranger arch-rivals. If Gers win in front of their home crowd, they close the Celtic lead to 13. If they draw at home, there will be little change in the table and Celtic will continue to retain its commanding dominance of the Scottish Premier. And that’s all if Celtic does not just come in and win away, giving themselve a 19 point superiority and only 15 Scottish Premier games remaining, including another Old Firmer back at Parkhead.

It’s a game Rangers’ French manager Paul Le Guen has to win, and one that Gordon Strachan could afford to lose.

UPDATE: Rangers announce search for new boss, courtesy of The Reformer in Lanarkshire.

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